Page 38 of Lady Farah Creates a Scandal (The Season of Secrets #2)

R ockwell straightened his cravat and smoothed down his jacket as he stood before the imposing doors of the Duke of Blackstone’s townhouse.

The sleepless night clung to him like a shroud.

He’d spent a restless night tossing and turning, his mind churning over how to convince Farah to marry him.

Should he lay his confused heart bare before her and pray she would see the genuine feeling beneath his clumsy words?

Now, in the harsh light of morning, he felt woefully unprepared.

But he knew he had to convince her that his feelings were indeed genuine.

Taking a deep breath, he raised the brass knocker and rapped sharply.

It wasn’t every day a man called to offer his hand in marriage just to avoid a scandal, but then again, nothing about his relationship with Farah had ever been ordinary.

Yet he didn’t know what her answer would be.

After a moment, the door swung open to reveal Blackstone’s butler, his expression as impassive as ever.

“Good morning, Lord Ware,” the butler intoned.

“Good morning, Howard. So sorry to call so early—”

“His Grace alerted me to the fact you might call early. He’s in the drawing room. I’ll announce you.”

“I know the way, Howard. Perhaps you could let Lady Farah know I’m here.

” His hopes for a private moment with Farah crumbled like sand upon learning His Grace was awake so early.

He’d have to convince him to leave him alone with Farah.

A wry smile touched his lips. It wasn’t like he could damage her reputation further.

“Of course, my lord.”

Rockwell entered the drawing room to see Blackstone pacing the floor.

“Ah, you’ve arrived. I sent a servant to alert her to your presence and she should be with us shortly. I thought while she’s getting presentable, you and I could go over the marriage contract.”

His Grace was getting ahead of himself. “I’m sure I’m happy with whatever you feel is appropriate.

Her dowry I’d like to put in trust for her to use should something happen to me or for any daughters we may have.

I want her to know she’ll always be taken care of.

” His voice softened with genuine feeling.

“As you know, I have considerable wealth and an estate in Suffolk. I will, of course, have to purchase us a London townhouse.”

The men sorted out the details rather quickly. “I’ll have my lawyer send the contract to you.”

Rockwell merely nodded, his stomach churning as he waited to see Farah.

“Where is the girl?” her brother said for about the hundredth time. He walked toward the door as if to go fetch her himself when Howard entered. His face was white. “Where is she?” His Grace demanded.

The butler’s face remained carefully blank. “I’m afraid I couldn’t say, my lord. Her ladyship’s whereabouts are unknown to the staff at present.”

Rockwell closed his eyes, a groan escaping him as his worst fears took shape. She wouldn’t…

“What do you mean her whereabouts are unknown? Where is my sister?”

A horrible thought struck him. What if she had run away to avoid marrying him? She had threatened to do so, but he’d thought she was being fanciful. The idea carved a hollow in his chest that he refused to name as heartbreak.

Well, there was only one way to find out. If Farah had fled, she would have gone to one of her friends for help. The ladies were a tight-knit group, a sisterhood really—surely one of them would know where she was.

“Maybe she’s gone to speak with one of her friends. She was a tad upset last night.”

His Grace swung to face him with relief, clearly evident. “Yes. That is what she’s done. I’ll send word to you once she’s home.”

“I’ll speak to my sisters to see if they know anything. If you’ll excuse me, I have a fiancée to find.” And he knew where he’d start.

Decision made, Rockwell strode purposefully down the street. His first stop would be his brother’s house to talk with Tiffany. As his sister-in-law, she was the most likely to have aided Farah in any escape attempt, given she held the finances for the women.

But when he arrived at Wolfarth House, Tiffany became most distraught at the news Farah was missing. Farah had not contacted her, and she knew nothing of any plan to run away. “We must alert Wolf and talk to Ashley and Ivy.” But they too knew nothing, either.

“Who would she go to for help if not us?” Ivy asked.

“Lauren is unlikely to be the one, given she’s Lucien’s brother.”

“Or Courtney,” Ashley added dryly.

Rockwell turned to leave and called over his shoulder, “Then I shall have to visit Claire and Valora.”

“Surely Claire wouldn’t aid her. She’s far too sensible. But Valora… That’s a possibility,” Tiffany added.

“Of course, we’re assuming she didn’t just simply run.” Everyone turned to stare at Ashley. “I’m just saying…”

He too had considered that, but his stomach heaved at the idea of her on the road in the dark—alone. “Let’s not panic just yet until I’ve spoken to Claire and Valora. I’ll send word as soon as I’ve found her.

A half-hour later, Rockwell’s frown deepened as he left his meeting with Claire. She was beside herself with worry and was heading to Tiffany’s to meet with the rest of the ladies. Something was definitely afoot, and he didn’t like it one bit.

By the time he reached Lady Valora’s townhouse—and his last hope—Rockwell was seething with barely contained anger and worry.

He’d wring Farah’s pretty neck for putting him through this, but then again, he’d given her no reason to believe he held strong feelings for her.

If anything happened to her, it would be on his head.

He paced Lord Vale’s drawing room, waiting for Lady Valora. “Is Farah here?” he demanded as soon as the door opened.

“Good morning to you too, my lord.” Lady Valora said. “And why on earth would Farah pay me a visit so early after her ball last night? Especially as it is the talk of the ton .”

“Don’t play games with me, Valora,” Rockwell growled.

“Farah is missing. Yours is the last place I’ve sought her out.

She must be here.” Because if she weren’t…

God, she was alone and if anything happened to her…

That familiar pain of not being able to do anything hit him.

He’d lost Charlotte. He wouldn’t lose Farah before he’d even told her he loved her. God, he did love her.

Valora’s expression hardened. “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean, my lord. And I’ll thank you not to barge into my home making wild accusations.”

Rockwell ran a hand through his hair in frustration. “Damn it all, Valora! This isn’t some game. Farah could be in real danger if she’s run off on her own. Tell me where she is.”

For a moment, Valora’s mask of indifference slipped, revealing genuine concern. “I’m sorry, Rockwell, but I do not know what you are talking about. Farah isn’t here. Are you telling me she’s missing?”

Rockwell opened his mouth to argue further, but the genuine concern in Valora’s eyes told him it would be useless. With a muttered curse, he spun on his heel and stormed out of the house.

He stood on the pavement for a long moment, at a loss. He had been so sure that one of Farah’s friends would give him answers. Now what was he supposed to do?

As much as he hated to admit it, there was only one option left. He would have to go back to Blackstone and confess that Farah had disappeared. Together, perhaps they could find some way to locate her before it was too late.

With a heavy heart, Rockwell made his way back to Blackstone House.

This time, when he knocked, the door opened immediately to reveal the duke himself.

The look on Blackstone’s face indicated Farah’s brother knew what he was about to reveal.

“I have some disturbing news,” he said, pushing past Blackstone and into the house.

*

“Are you sure this is a sensible plan? Apparently, everyone is frantic, thinking you’ve run off on your own.” Farah looked up at her friend from where she was lying in a bath in Courtney’s dressing room. She’d slept with Courtney last night and was feeling rather tired and put out.

Courtney continued to pace. “Apparently, Rockwell is beside himself and is hunting for you across London.”

“I know what I’m doing. This is the only way to make everyone understand that this is my life and I shall decide whom and when I marry. Scandal or no scandal.”

Courtney pulled up a stool next to the tub.

“Don’t get angry with me, but I think you’re being foolish.

You don’t know what it’s like to be alone, thinking that you’ll be a spinster for the rest of your life.

When I heard Lucien had died, my heart died with him.

I thought I’d not want to marry any other man.

I was happy to stay a spinster.” She flicked a guilty look at Farah and licked her lips.

“But five years is a long time, and I came to understand how lonely and unfulfilled the rest of my life as a spinster would be. In fact, just recently I’d made the decision to marry.

I may not find the enduring love I felt—feel for Lucien, but I would have children and a family and a life.

” When Farah remained silent, Courtney added, “This scandal is far worse than Ashley’s, and I don’t know if your reputation would ever recover.

You must see that you might never find a man who would marry you.

Will you still feel satisfied with a spinster’s life as you get older? ”

She slunk further under the water and tried to stop the fear that crept over her skin. What if Courtney was right? Could she be alone and content when all her friends would marry and have families? Would she be able to mix with her friends or would doors be closed to her like they were on Ashley?

Courtney pressed on. “Lord Ware is certainly upset. Isn’t that a good sign? Perhaps his feelings run deeper than you thought.”

“It’s probably guilt. Or he’s worried about his family’s honor.”